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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

No Repeat January Week One

There seems to be lots of buzz in the blogging world about creating a capsule wardrobe or paring clothing down to those essential items that bring you joy. My friend Carrie at A Lovely Little Wardrobe is doing just that, and she has some great suggestions to get you started. While I agree with the idea in theory, I'm not ready to go that far. The problem is, most of my clothes bring me joy, and I like variety.Over the holidays, I did decide that it was time to take a "critical" eye to my closet, and I donated two big bags of clothing to the thrift store. But there's still a LOT of stuff in there. I started counting what I have for research purposes, but I got bored in about five minutes.Instead, I thought it would be fun to see how long I can go without wearing the same thing twice. At this point, the experiment could last well into spring! This will only apply to sweaters, tops, jackets and scarves. My bottoms are more limited and pretty basic, and I don't own that many pairs of shoes (Deena is fainting somewhere in Saskatoon right now).Rather than turning my hangers and switching them around when I wear something, I'm going to try to take an outfit picture everyday. Maybe this will help me get rid of more items when I see the photographic evidence of how they look on me. Feel free to comment if you think something should go! Finally, I'm not planning to purchase anything new for the next few months. I'll never get through my closet if I keep adding new things.

I've only got two outfits to share this week. I spent the first three days of 2016 in sweats, taking down Christmas decorations and doing the closet clean out. Both the blue sweater and the plaid shirt were buried in the depths, forgotten and never worn.Clearly I need help. Let the experiment begin!

hahahah. You funny. I did this when I went back in September and lasted almost to Christmas (with my clothes) The shoes were another story. I also like variety and am not a capsule girl...love the idea of taking a photo. I'm going through my sweaters right now, I should just start 2 days in...

I love the second look most of all! Very stylish. I'm kinda putting myself on a spending hiatus, too, because I simply do not need anymore winter clothes! And as far as a capsule, I love my clothes way to much for that, too!

Oh man! This is something I really need to do. I think I might be able to go a full year without a repeat. Yes, I have a problem, but like you, I adore variety and would quickly get bored with a capsule wardrobe. Even the name "capsule" sounds like medicine to me.

The only thing I'd run out of quickly is jeans. I own 4 pairs I think and yet that is one of the items I wear the most when I'm at home. Hmmm...there may be a lesson in there somewhere but I'm not willing to listen just yet.

I do hope to go through some of my closet though. I've run out of space.

I look forward to seeing your outfits. But how will you remember if you've worn something already? Do you have a side to your closet that you could move already-worn-items to? Or maybe put THOSE items on backwards hangers. With my memory I'd forget! ~Sheila @Making the Most of Every Day

What a great idea! I tend to abide by the William Morris quote to not have anything in your house that you do not believe to be beautiful or know to be useful. That eliminates a lot of my wardrobe! I used to hang on to things hoping I'd fit back in them or just out of guilt over the money I spent on them, but I've cleared out everything as per William Morris! xx

I've heard about the Konmari thing - if they bring you joy or not - as well as turning the hangers back.Either way, I can never figure out how and when to get rid of clothes. I wonder how long I could go without repeating. I'd say keep what's in that photo!

You look fantastic! Kudos for your experiment. I, on the other hand do (and always have) hate shopping. If it were up to me, I would wear the same micro wardrobe always. Fortunately, Husby loves to shop. And he had gifted me with many suits and sweaters. Most of which are surprisingly attractive. Well, on the hangers, at least . . .

This sounds like a fun experiment Lana. When I cleaned out my closet a while back I discovered items I had been overlooking - and it was like I had just been shopping. I love the blue color of your sweater - both outfits are definitely keepers!

I'm a big fan of the capsule wardrobe concept. It's seems so simple. I tried to do it last year, but never found a few of the "essentials" to make it work. And now I have too many things I don't wear, even after getting rid of stuff. Anyway...the blue sweater is cute with the scarf and I'm a fan of plaid for fall and winter, so I like both your outfits!

I absolutely love the idea of the experiment. It actually might help me survive the next few months shopping free. Plus, in January after Christmas I'm always broke, so any expense reducing idea is welcomed. Great post xx Abby

I don't think I can even count everything I own, especially my tops. I could go months without repeating outfits also. I have done the capsule thing but I much prefer the entire closet too. You look great in navy. I love the second outfit, Lana.

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I'm a 40 something freelance writer and mom of two boys, married to my high school sweetheart and living in the Pacific Northwest. I love fashion, reading, being outdoors, and traveling....and I write about it all!